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6922 Replacements for BAT VK-300x

I purchased a pre-owned VK-300x integrated, and one of the 6922's is microphonic. I replaced both tubes with a spare set of Sovtek's that I had laying around. I'd like to put something a bit more refined in their place. Has any BAT integrated and/or preamp owner here experimented with anything else that they would recommend? My preference is to lean towards warmth over an analytical sound.

I've tried to call Andy at VTS, but I'm not sure he's still selling tubes based on a couple threads I've seen here. I've purchased from Kevin at Upscale, but his "didn't buy gear here" prices are quite high. Anyone here purchased from Tube Depot with success?

Thanks,
Chris
hedgehog
hedgehog's avatar
hedgehog OP
144 posts
 
I figured I'd end up with a Mullard or Amperex, but didn't know if anyone had tried one of the newer production tubes with success. The Sovtek's are OK, but strictly OK.

Outside of Andy and Upscale, I haven't purchased tubes anywhere else. I guess I'll have to do some looking around while I keep trying to reach Andy.
hedgehog's avatar
hedgehog OP
144 posts
 
Jeff,

I think you and I did a transaction about a million years ago. Do you live in Virginia? Do you have Jim McShane's contact information?

Chris
reb1208
518 posts
 
It is extremely difficult to find a NOS pair of 6922 tubes that are NOT microphonic. One has to lower their standards/expectations when using this tube type. A truly highly microphonic tube will feeback thru the speakers when music is playing. Or even when then volume control is turned up. Tubes that exhibit microphonics only when taped on, or when switches are thrown, are 100% "normal".
driver's avatar
driver
746 posts
 
Hi Chris,

Yes on all accounts. I looked it up & it was in 2001. Wow, time sure does fly when you're spending money!

I'll email the info.

Jeff
hedgehog's avatar
hedgehog OP
144 posts
 
The tube/s in question are current production Sovtek, not NOS. I'm not an expert by any means...maybe microphonic is an incorrect term. When the input was changed from one to another, a "ting" or "ping" sound was heard. The replacement pair of Sovtek tubes does not do so. I'm sure someone with much more expertise than I possess would know whether that is microphony, a short, whatever.

Regardless, I need to replace the tube/s. The spare set is going into a Cary amp I'm going to be selling.
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